Dembele: ‘I won’t give in to blackmail, there are negotiations with Barcelona’

Usman Dembele has been left out of the squad for Barcelona’s game against Athletic after discussions about renewing his contract, which is set to fail. Xavi said the Catalans can’t wait while they’re on the same page Catalan sporting director Mateo Alemanni.

Dembele broke out through a message on Instagram. He spoke out against the media, stressing that from now on he will respond if they mention his name. He also stated that there were still negotiations being conducted by his agent, while reiterating that he would not give in to blackmail.

Dembele’s statement in detail:

“Good morning everyone. It’s been four years since I stopped reading things about myself without trying to justify myself. There’s been gossip about me for four years. You’ve been talking about me for four years and you’ve only lied for one reason, to you hurt me. I followed the line of not answering. Was it wrong? For sure. But today it ends.

From today I will answer honestly without indulging in any kind of blackmail. I’m 24 years old and like every human being there are flaws and imperfections. I have experienced complicated situations like injuries, coronavirus that have affected me. Without the slightest training, the trainer asked me and I always answered without complaint. I did everything because it’s my passion. My message is also clear. I forbid anyone to give the impression that I have nothing to do with the sports project.

I forbid anyone to say that I have intentions that I never have. I forbid anyone to talk about me and my agent whom I trust completely. I still have a contract and am available to my team and my coach. I don’t steal and I don’t blackmail myself. Surely love is a form of blackmail. As you know, there are negotiations. I’ll let my agent handle them. My field is playing soccer, sharing moments with my teammates. Above all, let’s focus on what is necessary. Victory. Be careful”.